Easiest and Cheesiest Stove Top Macaroni and Cheese
Get ready to indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Easiest and Cheesiest Stove Top Macaroni and Cheese recipe! Made with tender elbow macaroni smothered in a luxuriously creamy three-cheese sauce featuring sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan, this dish is the perfect balance of rich, gooey goodness and effortless preparation. With just 10 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking, it's a quick and satisfying option for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. The secret lies in creating a velvety roux-based sauce, enhanced with a splash of heavy cream for extra richness. Seasoned to perfection with a hint of paprika for a subtle kick, this stovetop recipe is as simple as it is indulgent. Serve it steaming hot as a side dish or a hearty main, and watch it disappear in minutes!
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Ingredients
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoons paprika (optional, for garnish)
Directions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2
In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly, until a smooth paste forms.
Step 3
Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
Step 4
Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Step 5
Season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, and paprika if desired. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 6
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until all the pasta is evenly coated.
Step 7
Serve immediately while hot. Optionally, garnish with a sprinkle of paprika for extra color and flavor.
Step 8
Enjoy your Easiest and Cheesiest Stove Top Macaroni and Cheese!
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1443.6g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 3879.0 |
| Total Fat 250.9g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 153.2g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0.3g | |
| Cholesterol 784.9mg | 0% |
| Sodium 6141.5mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 228.3g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 9.9g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 34.1g | |
| Protein 163.5g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 262.7IU | 0% |
| Calcium 3909.4mg | 0% |
| Iron 12.2mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1155.3mg | 0% |
Source of Calories